Saturday morning’s parkrun at Kingsbury Water Park was a soggy affair with heavy rain throughout. This was reflected in the much reduced turnout of 320 runners, which was about half the usual number. However a few hardy Peelers braved the conditions.
First home for the club, indeed the first home, was Rob Mace who won the event in a quick 16.20 mins. Following Rob not too closely behind was Andrew Pickard who finished in 23.50 mins, Tim Mudd (26.27), Michael Stevenson (27.42), Alison Upton (28.42), Caroline Evans (32.06), Ann Hill (32.38) and Sarah French (32.43). Thanks go to Mark Boffey for volunteering, becoming a regular in recent weeks.
On tour were Mark Webster who was fourth overall at Sutton Park parkrun in 20.13 mins. Also running were Mike Shelton (22.46) and Simon Gordon (23.48). Martin Hollamby was third overall at the Whinlatter Forest parkrun in the Lake District, one of the hilliest in the country, in 21.15 mins.
The Derby Half Marathon took place on Sunday with sole club representative Emma Pick finishing as second lady overall in a new personal best time of 1:26.04 hrs. From one of the clubs youngest lady members to the eldest, Christine Norris completed the Aldridge 10k in a time of 1:15.15 hrs, winning her age category. Emily Eva Holliday completed the notoriously hilly Potters Half Marathon in Stoke on Trent, her first half marathon, in a time of 2:30 hrs. Martin Hollamby completed the Blencathra Fell Race in 1:30.26 hrs; this was an eight mile race across mountainous terrain with half a mile of vertical ascent.
Friday evening marked the club’s annual awards night, held at Bolehall Manor. As well as a good time being had by all, the achievements of club members were celebrated with the following awards:
President’s Award – Bob Donovan
Club Person of the Year (male) – Mike Shelton
Club Person of the Year (female) – Val Lawson
Most Promising Female Newcomer – Emma Livingstone
Most Promising Male Newcomer – Rob Mace
Most Improved Male – Malcolm Bembridge
Most Improved Female – Alison Dolphin
Female Vet (over 45) – Judith Matthews
Male Vet (over 50) – Phil Neale
Female Vet (35 – 45) – Helen Chyla
Male Vet (40 – 50) – Mike Shelton
Best Male Runner – Ashley Baldwin
Best Female Runner – Emma Pick
Cross Country Full Series – Sandra Ingram, Rachel Casey, Sophie Galloway & Simon Gordon.
Finally congratulations to club secretary Val Lawson who celebrates being 60 years young this week.
Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm at the Snowdome, new members are always welcome. For further details or to get in touch please see the club’s website or Facebook page.
Pictures:
1) Emma Pick at the Derby half marathon
2) Christine Norris after the Aldridge 10k
